Our Lord likened his followers to sheep. We can learn a few things from this analogy.
Sheep are just plain cute. They can be real charmers. They aren't rough or overbearing. But to survive, sheep must be defended by someone other than their fellow sheep. Because they are defenseless, they are dependent creatures. When the wolves come to attack the sheep, they don't scatter because they're afraid of the sheep. They're afraid of the shepherd. The wolf pack must yield to him -- or else.
The church is under the protective shield of its elders. My friend, I can't tell you how important it is that you choose elders that know the Book.